Skeletal Muscle and Joint Mechanics

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in skeletal muscle and joint mechanics based on lecture notes.

Synarthroses

Immobile joints.

Articular capsules

Structures associated with synovial joints, consisting of an outer fibrous layer and inner synovial membrane.

Synovial fluid

Fluid produced by the synovial membrane, providing lubrication in joints.

Mechanical advantage (MA)

A measure of the force amplification achieved by using a tool, mechanical device, or machine.

First-class lever

A lever where the fulcrum is located between the effort and resistance, like a seesaw.

Second-class lever

A lever where the resistance is located between the fulcrum and the effort, providing a mechanical advantage.

Third-class lever

A lever where the effort is applied between the fulcrum and the resistance, commonly seen in the human body.

Range of motion (ROM)

The degrees to which a joint can move, important for joint performance.

Cardiac muscle

Involuntary striated muscle found only in the heart.

Myoblasts

Muscle stem cells that fuse to form muscle fibers.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum

Smooth ER in muscle cells, encircling myofibrils and involved in calcium storage.

Myofibrils

Long protein cords in muscle cells composed of thick and thin filaments.

Thick filaments

Myofilaments made primarily of myosin, responsible for muscle contraction.

Thin filaments

Myofilaments made primarily of actin, along with tropomyosin and troponin.

Sliding filament theory

A model explaining muscle contraction where myosin heads pull actin filaments towards the center of a sarcomere.

Z disc

The boundary between adjacent sarcomeres, anchoring thin filaments.

Titan (titin)

A protein that stabilizes thick filaments and prevents overstretching.

Glycogen

A storage form of glucose in muscle cells, providing energy.

Myoglobin

A protein in muscle cells that binds oxygen, facilitating muscle respiration.

Fascicle

A bundle of muscle fibers encased in perimysium.

Epimysium

The outermost layer of connective tissue surrounding an entire muscle.

Ligaments

Connective tissues that connect bone to bone, providing joint stability.

Bursa

Sacs filled with synovial fluid that reduce friction between moving parts in joints.